Business Briefs: Grant for Roe Jan Library; Martial Arts Institute of the Berkshire re-opening; first aid gift; NPC Berkshire partnership; 1Berkshire new hire

Pilcrow Foundation grant adds new children’s books to Roe Jan Library

Hillsdale, N.Y. — The Roeliff Jansen Community Library has 97 new children’s book thanks to a Children’s Book Project grant award from the Pilcrow Foundation. The Friends of the Roeliff Jansen Community Library supplied the matching funds, which were raised through sales of used books in their bookstore. Hal Berenson and Laura Ackerman of Colorado donated a number of math and science books through the foundation.

The Pilcrow Foundation, founded in 2013, recognizes the importance of public libraries in rural communities and provides new, quality, hardcover children’s books to rural public libraries across the United States. The Roe Jan Library was one of only 74 rural libraries throughout the country to receive the award this year.

–E.E.

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Martial Arts Institute of the Berkshire to hold re-opening celebration

Great Barrington — The Martial Arts Institute of the Berkshires will hold a grand re-opening celebration Saturday, Sept. 28, from noon to 4 p.m.

The event will include demonstrations of taekwondo and weapons forms, self-defense applications, sparring applications and board breaking by MAIB students. Attendees can enjoy refreshments and take advantage of open house sign-up bonuses. MAIB accepts students of all ages and abilities.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Martial Arts Institute of the Berkshires at (413) 528-9560.

–E.E.

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Gifts from Kiwanis, Fairview Hospital enhance first aid equipment for Lake Mansfield

Great Barrington — Two community gifts will support the town’s purchase of an automatic defibrillator to enhance summertime first aid services at Lake Mansfield Park. Sheffield Kiwanis have contributed $200 and Fairview Hospital has donated $1,000 toward the $1,800 cost. Town manager Mark Pruhenski expressed thanks for both gifts and noted that the town’s parks department will pay $600 toward the cost.

“This life-saving device will prepare our lifeguards for responding to cardiac arrest incidents during the crucial minutes of an emergency,” said Pruhenski. “These generous donations will make Great Barrington a safer place for all of our residents and visitors.”

–E.E.

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Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires partners with Philanthropy Massachusetts

Great Barrington — The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires has announced a new partnership with Philanthropy Massachusetts.

Founded in 1969, Philanthropy Massachusetts bridges the nonprofit and grantmaking communities by giving access to research and information to support nonprofit fund development, providing professional development for nonprofit staff members, and giving nonprofit organization visibility among and access to grant makers. The Nonprofit Center’s 125 member organizations will have access to Philanthropy Massachusetts’ webinars at a discounted rate.

“We want to continue to introduce regional resources to Berkshire nonprofits,” said NPC Berkshires founder Liana Toscanini. “Philanthropy MA has terrific resources and tools and several unique programs such as “Meet the Donor” that would be great additions to our offerings.”

–E.E.

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1Berkshire adds senior marketing specialist

Pittsfield — 1Berkshire has announced that Elizabeth Nelson has joined the organization as senior marketing specialist. She is working with 1Berkshire’s vice president of tourism and marketing to continue to market the Berkshires, and will also work with the team on marketing the Berkshire Flyer and focus on a revamp of berkshires.org.

Nelson previously served as the marketing communications manager at Berkshire Humane Society. Before moving to the Berkshires, she worked for the national labor union Stage Directors and Choreographers Society where she helped launch SDC Journal, a quarterly magazine celebrating the crafts of stage direction and choreography. Nelson is a playwright and multidisciplinary artist. Recently, her plays “Colors Inside the Body” (which she developed as a member of Berkshire Voices) and “The Golden Hour” received readings in New York City and Denver respectively, and her 10-minute play “Fugue” has been produced worldwide. She is an outdoor enthusiast and animal welfare advocate, and lives in Pittsfield with her husband, three cats and a puggle named Harper Lee.

–E.E.